Statement of Faith
A Shield and Refuge Ministry

1. God's Nature

We believe in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 46:9), creator and sustainer of the universe
(Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16-17), who eternally exists in three persons, Father (Ephesians 4:6),
Jesus Christ the Son (Colossians 1:15-20), and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

2. Humankind's Nature

God created humanity, both male and female, in His own image (Genesis 1:27). However, all
people have rebelled against God (sinned) and are therefore guilty before Him (Romans 3:23).
As a result, all of humanity, together with all of creation, now suffer the consequences of that
rebellion (Romans 8:22), and are subject to God's judgment (1 Chronicles 16:14; Romans 2:5;
John 5:22).

3. Who Jesus Christ Is & What He Did

We believe in Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully human (John 10:30-33; Colossians 2:9). In
order to redeem sinful humanity, He stepped physically into human history (John 1:14)--he was
conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18), lived a sinless life (Hebrews
4:15), died on the cross (Mark 15:15) bearing our guilt and paying our sin penalty (Colossians
2:13-14; Isaiah 53:4-6), was buried and raised bodily from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and
now sits enthroned as King and Lord of all (1 Peter 3:21-22), and will return again to earth (Acts
1:10-11) for judgment (2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5) and to claim those who belong to Him (1
Thessalonians 4:16-17). Jesus Christ is the foundation and head of the Church (Colossians
1:18)--that is, all people around the world who, through faith, belong to Him (Romans 1:5-6).
Through His life, death, and resurrection, He came to restore man's broken relationship with
God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20), and it is through Him alone that we can become
children of God (Acts 4:12; 1 John 3:1). He offers eternal life as a free gift to all who will have
faith in Him (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). It cannot be earned; it is a gift of grace (Ephesians
2:8-9), by His complete and finished work on the cross (Colossians 2:13-14).

4. The Work of the Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17; Matthew 28:19), who works to bring people
to belief in, and obedience to, Christ (John 15:26; Acts 1:8). The Spirit dwells in all of those who
believe, empowering them to live holy lives and equipping them for service (Romans 15:13;
Titus 3:5).

5. The Bible

We believe the Bible is the only inspired, infallible, written word of God, and is relevant and
applicable today (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16). God reveals His unchanging Truth through His
written word (Isaiah 40:8).

6. Judgment and the Afterlife

We believe in the resurrection of the body (1 Corinthians 15:21-22), and eternal life for all who
repent and believe in Christ (Acts 16:31; John 3:16), and condemnation for those who refuse
God's salvation (John 3:18; Matthew 10:28).